Is Oily Skin Good? Everything You Need to Know about Oily Skin Types
When my patients take the skin type quiz and find out they are an oily skin type, one of the first questions they often ask me is, “Is oily skin good?” Oily skin does have one less barrier to skin health (dehydration) than dry skin types, and the healthiest and rarest skin type ( Baumann Skin Type 10 ) is an oily type. While this is all great news for anyone with an oily skin type, there can also be challenges related to oily skin, such as clogged pores, acne, and increased shininess over the course of the day.
Here, I’ll go into details about the benefits and drawbacks of oily skin, how to best care for oily skin, and some of the best brands and products for oily skin types. But first, if you don’t know your Baumann Skin Type yet, take the quiz to find out so you know if you are oily or dry.
Oily skin has an adequate or excessive amount of sebum, or natural oil.
There are 8 oily Baumann Skin Types.
The healthiest skin type is an oily type: Type 10: ORNT.
Is Oily Skin Good?
Oily skin is healthier than dry skin because sebum is so protective. But- very oily skin can lead to clogged pores. The key is that you want "normal oily skin" which means a normal level of sebum secretion or slightly oily skin.
Most people overestimate their oil production, so make sure you take our validated quiz to see if your skin is dry or oily.
What Is Oily Skin?
Oily skin lacks the key barrier to skin health found in dry skin types: dehydration. Instead of having a lack of moisture, oily skin is characterized by an adequate or excessive amount of sebum or oil on the skin. While having the right amount of sebum is beneficial to your skin, helping to keep it hydrated and protected, too much sebum can lead to clogged pores, acne, and other skin concerns that are commonly found in oily skin types.
Another key difference between oily and dry skin is that oily skin tends to be more resistant than dry skin because sebum provides antioxidant and occlusive protection. Thus, oily skin is more protected than dry skin, but it is important to use the right products that won’t exacerbate oiliness or clog pores.
How to Tell If Your Skin Is Oily?
Did you know that an astounding 80% of people do not know their true skin type? In fact, many people are even wrong about whether their skin is oily or dry when they try to self-diagnose their skin type. This is because using the wrong skin care products, exposure to the sun or changing weather conditions, and other factors can affect the characteristics and health of our skin, making it difficult to know what your skin type actually is.
The best way to know for sure whether your skin is oily or dry is to take the Skin Type Solutions quiz and find out which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are. The eight oily skin types start with the letter “O” and the eight dry types start with “D”.
The 8 Oily Baumann Skin Types
The Baumann Skin Typing system classifies skin into 16 types, with eight types specifically characterized by oily skin:
5: OSPT
6: OSNT
7: OSPW
8: OSNW
9: ORPT
10: ORNT
11: ORPW
12: ORNW
Each type has specific characteristics and needs, so understanding your exact type can make a big difference in managing oily skin effectively.
Pros of Oily Skin
There are many benefits to having oily skin:
- Increased hydration. Sebum is a natural occlusive moisturizer , so it forms a protective barrier on the skin to keep moisture seal inside. This allows oily skin to retain healthy hydration better than dry skin types, which have a compromised skin barrier.
- Increased protection. Not only does a healthy skin barrier help to keep moisture sealed inside, but it also keeps irritants, pollutants, and other pathogens out. Additionally, sebum delivers vitamin E to the skin, which provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage (3).
- Slower aging. Due to increased moisture retention and extra antioxidant protection from the skin’s natural oils, oily skin types generally have fewer wrinkles and see more gradual signs of aging.
Cons of Oily Skin
Depending on how oily your skin is, you may bump into these challenges with oily skin:
- Acne and breakouts. Excessive oil on the skin can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Salicylic acid is a beneficial ingredient for acne-prone oily skin types.
- Enlarged pores. Increased sebum production can make pores appear larger and more noticeable.
- Shiny appearance. Oily skin can become shiny throughout the day, which can make makeup smear or not last throughout the day.
- Trouble finding the right sunscreen. Oily types generally do better with lighter mineral-based sunscreens like PCA Weightless Protection SPF or Obagi Sunshield , rather than chemical sunscreens that contain heavy silicones that can clog pores.
Best Products for Oily Skin
The best products for your skin will depend on which of the eight oily skin types you are. However, in general, oily skin types should use products designed to control excess sebum without stripping the skin of necessary moisture. Look for non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores) and oil-free formulas.
Just a few of my favorite brands and products for oily skin types include:
Bottom Line: Is Oily Skin Good?
Oily skin is generally healthier than dry skin, since it is not dehydrated and has a strong skin barrier. However, many oily skin types struggle with clogged pores, acne, or a shiny appearance due to excess sebum. Once you know which oily skin type you are, we can help you easily create a customized skin care regimen that will help you fix these common issues.
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is primarily caused by genetics, but other factors like hormones, diet, and the climate where you live can also influence your skin’s oil production.
Does oily skin get fewer wrinkles than dry skin?
Yes, oily skin tends to develop fewer wrinkles than dry skin because the natural oils keep it more moisturized, which can delay the appearance of fine lines.
If I’m oily only in my T-zone, do I still have oily skin?
Yes, even excess sebum is isolated to your T-zone – which includes your forehead, nose, and chin – your skin is still producing excess sebum, making you an oily skin type. You can learn more about what’s sometimes called combination skin here .
Best References and Scientific Publications on Oily Skin
- Baumann L. Oily Skin in Ch. 11 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Thiele JJ, Weber SU, Packer L. Sebaceous gland secretion is a major physiologic route of vitamin E delivery to skin. J Invest Dermatol. 1999 Dec;113(6):1006-10. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1999.00794.x. PMID: 10594744.
- Sardana, K., Verma, G., & Khurana, A. (2021). The role of sebum in acne vulgaris: Facts, myths, and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology, 39(3), 436-445.
- Choi, E. H., & Maibach, H. I. (2005). Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 6(4), 215-223.
- Del Rosso, J. Q. (2008). The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: Part 1: The importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selection. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(8), 22-28.